Sixty percent say healthcare is headed in the wrong direction: Jarrard study
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deep concern about the high cost of care and belief that the industry puts profits over patients is fueling consumer discontent with healthcare with 72 percent saying the whole system needs significant reform, according to a new national consumer survey by Jarrard, a U.S. Top 10 healthcare strategic communications consultancy.
Key findings from Jarrard’s 2026 State of Play National Healthcare Survey include:
- More than three quarters say both providers and payers prioritize making money over taking care of people.
- Three quarters of people say cost is a top issue for healthcare today.
- Less than half are confident that their local providers will be able to provide quality care in the years ahead.
- A quarter say their trust in provider organizations has declined in the last year.
“Policy changes are negatively impacting the public’s view of the future of healthcare,” said Isaac Squyres, Jarrard senior partner and founder of the firm’s Market Research & Insights (MRI) group which conducted the survey. “While the vast majority of people think it’s important for organizations to speak publicly about the impact of policy changes, far fewer actually do hear from them, leaving organizations vulnerable to the negative sentiment, opportunistic politics and damaging misinformation.”
Squyres noted that the survey reveals opportunities for the industry to get back to the solid ground of trust and mission-driven alignment.
“Though concerns about cost and affordability and the motivations of healthcare organizations are significant, provider organizations and the clinicians within them retain significant public trust. There are real opportunities to build public support to meet today’s challenges.”
Consider that:
- Although nine in 10 say hospitals, clinics and nursing homes should be involved in speaking publicly about healthcare policy changes, only about a third say they hear directly from these organizations.
- While vast majorities think healthcare organizations put profits over patients, over half say that quality and community impact outweighs concern about profits.
This latest survey continues six years of ongoing research by Jarrard MRI to explore public views on healthcare, health policy and healthcare organizations. Download the executive summary to better understand today’s healthcare landscape and opportunities to bolster trust and secure mission-driven alignment.
About Jarrard
Jarrard is a specialized healthcare consulting firm devoted to helping leaders during high-stakes moments of change, challenge and growth. We use the power of research, communications, marketing and political strategy to help our clients achieve their most important goals. Founded in 2006, the firm has worked with more than 1,800 clients in 49 states and focuses on critical moments – from crisis and issue navigation to change leadership to brand positioning to research and growth. Jarrard is a division of Chartis, one of the nation’s leading healthcare advisory firms. For more information, visit jarrardinc.com or follow us at @JarrardInc.
